2023’s Who Could Take a Jump this Year

<p>As we count down the days to hoop season in Kansas, reaching inside the 3 week mark, we will start to get some more pre season coverage out there to you all. Today we start with some 2023 guys who have the potential to make a massive jump for their programs this season.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1190368" first="Sheldon" last="Butler-Lawson"], 6’3 Wing, Junction City: A long and athletic guard/wing player who will be making his introduction to the Centennial League this year with Junction City. He will be able to provide the Jays with something they will need this year, long athleticism on the perimeter. Smooth player with the ball and can finish at the rim. Solid handle and attacks well off the bounce with a smooth floater game and runs well in transition. Will complement guards, [player_tooltip player_id="1268821" first="Seth" last="Clark"], [player_tooltip player_id="1076405" first="Howard" last="Johnson"], and [player_tooltip player_id="1076410" first="Terrence" last="Tedder Jr"]. well.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1080205" first="Wyatt" last="Conklin"], 6’1 Guard, Washburn Rural: A hard nosed solid basketball player who had a great grassroots season. Possesses a bunch of versatile qualities that allow him to contribute and fill a ton of roles on whatever roster he is on. With some turnover at Rural this year, Conklin’s solid play in all facets of hoops should allow him to make an impact for a talented group this year. His open shot making ability, rebounding on both ends, hustle plays, and competitiveness will pay dividends. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1212149" first="Jace" last="Steinmetz"], 6’3 Guard, Garden City: Should be one of the focal points for the offense for GC this season and has the offensive tools ready for the task. A top tier 3 point shooter either off catch and shoot or off the dribble and can shoot it well contested as well with his length. Is comfortable in the mid range game as well to counter hard closeouts. Should be a name that jumps right into the upper half of scoring in Kansas.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1146272" first="Brian" last="Hawthorne"], 6’2 Point Guard, St James: With the departure of star guard [player_tooltip player_id="889476" first="Michael" last="Cahill"], Hawthorne will have the full reigns in the back court which should take his production from a really good complimentary piece to a star guard. Great leadership qualities, improved the offensive repertoire over the grassroots season, and can guard a wide variety of guards. </p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1080204" first="Aiden" last="Sullivan"], 6’8 Forward, Olathe Northwest: The top 20 guard [player_tooltip player_id="891917" first="Zaid" last="Dajani"] will need a key running mate this year at ONW and he should have it in big man [player_tooltip player_id="1080204" first="Aiden" last="Sullivan"]. Plays with a tremendous motor on the floor with really solid footwork skills and finishing ability with either hand. Can play up at the rim, finishing off rolls, rim runs really well, and can rebound and push tempo. Has near double double average per game potential.</p>